Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA set off a firestorm of conversations, speeches and debates like we’ve never seen in sports. The only 21st century precedent I can think of is Tebowmania, about a dozen years ago, when former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Tim Tebow had some success in the NFL with the Denver Broncos. Tebow’s open acceptance of his Christian faith sparked a conversation about the appropriateness of religious zeal in the public square, in this case the football field. The media covered Tebow 24-7. But then he was gone, his throwing motion never quite ready.
Clark isn’t going anywhere – she’s an all-time athletic talent, the leading scorer in NCAA Division 1 history. And even the Tebow comparison is imperfect. Tebow actually did something to justify discussion about an off-field issue like religion: he wore his faith on his sleeve. Clark is stirring up a firestorm around issues of race, gender and the growth of women’s sports by doing what he’s always done: playing basketball with passion.
We saw this phenomenon again this weekend when news broke that Clark was left off the Team USA roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics. Media commentators of all stripes erupted with outrage. A headline on Outkick, the right-wing sports media outlet called Clark’s Olympic exclusion an “all-time WTF decision.” About that USA today columnist Christine Brennan wrote on X that “having covered the Olympics for 40 years (gulp), I have seen some bad team and athlete selection decisions. This is the worst.” Bill Plaschke wrote in Los Angeles Times: “what a shame,” referring to US basketball officials.
“This is about what I will personally call ‘The Idiocy of Team USA Women’s Basketball,’” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith he said on the morning debate show, First take, on Monday. “How dare you make this decision? It is stupid.”
See more information: A giant mural shows that Indiana is ready for Caitlin Clark
All this outrage seems strange. Of course, the central argument for Clark’s inclusion makes sense: Clark’s impact on WNBA participation and ratings are real and well documented. It would have been a good deal for USA Basketball to give him a spot. She would keep the positive momentum of women’s basketball strong throughout the summer. Plus, she can more than hold her own on the court. The US team can always use snipers.
If USA Basketball put Clark on the team and was transparent about the trade benefits, that would be fine. But since when do sports media commentators root for ratings above all else? Since when has capitalism been the central concern? What about fairness, a supposedly essential principle of sport?
Every player on Team USA’s 12-person roster deserves their spot. Who would you trade for Clark? Kelsey Plum, who won gold in 3×3 basketball in Tokyo, and has since won two consecutive titles with the Las Vegas Aces? His promotion to the 5×5 team was on merit. The three first-time Olympians, Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu and Kahleah Copper, are accomplished WNBA professionals who played on the U.S. team that won the World Cup in Australia in 2022. Their loyalty to the program was rewarded with an Olympic invitation. What is wrong with it? The youngest players on the team are 26 years old. Clark is 22. Not a single rookie made the team.
See more information: Even After Championship Loss, Caitlin Clark’s Legacy Remains Untainted
Clark recently tied the WNBA rookie record for most threes made in a game and became the fastest player to reach at least 200 points and 50 assists in WNBA history, but those are tough decisions. Players with more excellent professional resumes than Clark were overlooked. Candace Parker was a two-time WNBA MVP when she was left off the Rio Olympic roster. Heading into Tokyo, Nneka Ogwumike was a WNBA MVP who also earned MVP honors in the Olympic qualifying tournament for those games. She watched Team USA win gold at home.
Yes, other stars fresh out of college, like Diana Taurasi in 2004 and Breanna Stewart in 2016, immediately joined Olympic teams. But the WNBA has benefited from a deeper talent pool in recent years; this talent took viewership and engagement to new heights before Clark even entered the league. It’s a testament to the WNBA that the Americans will be the favorites without Clark.
And a lot of people will invest in Team USA in Paris. The Japan-USA women’s basketball final in Tokyo averaged 7.8 million viewers, according to Sports media observation, the largest attendance for any women’s basketball game in at least five years. For context: Clark’s WNBA debut drew 2.1 million viewers, making it the league’s most-watched game since 2001. An impressive showing at the Olympics will continue to draw attention to the game, and Clark will get a well-deserved break before to continue filling the arenas. -Paris. She’s also on track to make the Los Angeles team in 2028. Women’s basketball will be more than fine.
All of Caitlin Clark’s indirect speech might need a break. Since her arrival, many prominent experts and athletes have had a bad time around her. Indianapolis Star columnist Gregg Doyel had an unpleasant exchange with Clark at his debut Fever press conference, which earned him a suspension. Charles Barkley called the women of the WNBA “petty” due to some of the resistance the rookie faced in the WNBA, conveniently forgetting that jealousy of male stars is also common: In keeping with NBA tradition, during his rookie year, some veterans decided don’t pass the ball to Michael Jordan in the All-Star Game. Pat McAfee called Clark a “white bitch” on his show last week. Oh my.
On the court, the understandable desire to compete and put a rookie like Clark in her place sometimes went too far. Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter tackled Clark to the ground during a game; the flagrant foul was a cheap shot. Sky rookie Angel Reese applauded the strike from the sidelines: not cool. But perhaps black players like Reese and two-time WNBA champion A’ja Wilson didn’t need to point out the obvious – that players like them are also driving interestor that the WNBA has long had phenomenal players — if commentators weren’t so focused on Clark to the exclusion of others.
Clark, for her part, seems to understand that much of the frenzy surrounding her is out of her control and is just trying to play the game she was hired to play. “I think it just gives you something to work towards,” Clark said in reaction to her so-called Olympic snub. “I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way with me being on the team or not being on the team. I’m excited for them. I will root for them to win gold.”
That should say it all. Let’s let the storm calm down. Let Clark focus on his game. Good things will come.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
